When I was learning to drive one of the first things my dad made me do was learn how to change a tyre because we had no roadside assistance. He also taught me to check the radiator and the tyres for air. So tyres filled with the appropriate amount of air meant we were ready for our little road trip. Old habits die hard.
We were on our way to visit my sister who lives nearly two hours away. It’s normally a pretty boring drive with not that much to look at along the way.
Port Wakefield is about half way from here to there so it’s a good place to stop, have a toilet break, a stretch, and maybe buy something to eat. There’s petrol and food stations all along the highway part of Port Wakefield and normally I don’t stop there for very long. It’s not the most attractive place.
It does, however, have a really good bakery which I often stop at. Normally I eat my purchase at the bakery then hop back in the car to be on my way.
But if you take a left just past the bakery as you’re heading north, and keep driving a bit you’ll get to a lovely spot to get out the car and eat your lunch.
The first thing JJ did was go and sit on the boardwalk that spanned this river and eat his pie. I stayed with Monty while I ate my pasty. Then we both went for a bit of a wander.
I think we stayed for about half an hour which is something I’m normally in too much of a rush, for whatever stupid reason, to do. Why is it that once I start driving, I need to be at my destination as quickly as possible following speed limits and so on of course.
Sometimes I make a conscious effort to not stress about taking some extra time out of the journey to enjoy what’s along the journey. Sometimes I don’t take the freeway, but the back roads up the Hills to enjoy the autumn colour. And I’m always glad when I do.
I know JJ really appreciated it. He loves pottering around in or near water. There’s always a good stick to be found that will be used to prod things. Monty got to get out and have a bit of a stretch too.
And with a nearby toilet it’s quite perfect really.
And being able to climb a canon and pretend you’re shooting stuff is the ultimate.
We hopped in the car after lunch and it was like the previous driving to get there hadn’t happened at all as we were refreshed enough to be on our way.
What about you? Do you stop along the way to enjoy the scenery or must you get to your destination as quickly as possible.
